AP Backs Down from Ridiculous Gay ‘Husband/Wife’ Controversy

The Associated Press released a statement announcing a new AP Stylebook entry for husband, wife, coming after a requested revision by NLGJA. The request for a revision was issued after an internal memo was recently circulated directing AP reporters to use the terms husband and wife for same-sex couples only with attribution and in quotes. Several NLGJA members brought the memo to the attention of the NLGJA Rapid Response Task Force. On Feb. 14, NLGJA President Jen Christensen wrote an open letter to the AP Stylebook Editor, urging a revision to make it clear that writers should use the same terms for married individuals—whether they are in a same-sex or opposite-sex marriage.

The new entry was added to the AP Stylebook Online today and will be in the spring edition of the printed book and Stylebook Mobile. It states:

husband, wife Regardless of sexual orientation, husband or wife is acceptable in all references to individuals in any legally recognized marriage. Spouse or partner may be used if requested.